What is trip cancellation insurance?

Trip cancellation insurance typically reimburses trip costs that are prepaid and nonrefundable if you need to cancel before you leave due to a qualifying unforeseen reason, such as illness or injury. Note that you need to purchase the coverage and have it in place before your trip and before a qualifying cancellation/interruption reason occurs in order to receive reimbursement for airfare or other covered expenses.

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What does trip cancellation insurance cover?

It usually covers pre-paid, non-refundable costs for:

  • Airline tickets
  • Hotel reservations
  • Pre-paid excursions/tours
  • Cruises
  • Vacation rentals
  • Rental cars
  • Train trips

What reasons for cancelling are covered?

The most common reason people may consider getting trip cancellation insurance is for an unforeseen illness or injury, which would make traveling difficult for the policyholder or for a traveling companion. What's covered is spelled out in your policy so be sure to review it, including the "fine print." You may have to show proof of the condition or situation to make a claim. Some commonly covered reasons include:

  • The death of a traveling companion or non-traveling family member
  • Unforeseen natural disasters or severe weather, including hurricanes, earthquakes, or floods, which result in halted flights or affect travel operations at the destination
  • Government travel warnings or evacuation orders for the destination
  • Legal obligations, such as jury duty or getting a subpoena

What isn't covered by trip cancellation insurance?

In general, it won't cover situations that come from foreseeable events; in other words, events that may happen and are known in advance. It won't cover you if you simply change your mind about your trip for whatever reason.

Other reasons trip cancellation insurance may not apply:

  • Losing your personal belongings in the airport or in transit getting there, whether by simply forgetting them or another act that is your responsibility
  • Suddenly feeling uncomfortable or fearful about flying
  • Cancelling due to coronavirus concerns as COVID is now considered a "known" event
  • Cancelling last minute due to predicted inclement weather at your destination, even though the airline didn't cancel or delay the flight
  • Making last-minute itinerary changes
  • Experiencing a pre-existing medical condition flare-up, such as asthma (however, note that each insurer handles pre-existing medical conditions differently, so review the details of the policy and find out if there are any available pre-existing waivers)
  • Cancelling due to a conflict at work; for example, you scheduled a vacation but a situation at work now requires your presence

Pro tip:

If your flight is cancelled, check with the airlines to see what their cancellation policy is. Consider in advance what comprehensive travel insurance offers, as it may cover canceled flights that delay your trip for at least 3-12 hours and may require you to find another flight or reschedule.

What's the difference between trip interruption and trip cancellation insurance?

Trip interruption applies to trips unexpectedly cut short after the trip begins and for a covered reason, such as becoming sick or if an evacuation is issued. It covers unused, prepaid, nonrefundable costs like flights, tours, and accommodations.

Trip cancellation applies if you need to cancel your trip before your trip even begins. Both coverages are for situations outside of your control such as illness, injury, and natural disasters.

What about comprehensive travel insurance plans and plans with optional "cancel for any reason" coverage?

Comprehensive travel insurance provide the most protection, including trip interruption and cancellation, delays and lost luggage, medical coverage, and emergency evacuation.

You can add optional cancel for any reason (CFAR) trip protection to some comprehensive policies. It's an add-on benefit, which provides more flexibility. CFAR may reimburse you for a portion of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs for any reason, unlike trip cancellation coverage, which only covers reasons stated in your policy.

Pro tip:

You can get CFAR coverage for some comprehensive policies through Progressive travel insurance from InsureMyTrip. Keep in mind that CFAR coverage is time-sensitive and has other requirements, and not all travel plans will qualify.* It also must be purchased within a certain timeframe of your initial trip deposit.

How do you get trip cancellation insurance?

Start by quoting travel insurance with Progressive travel insurance from InsureMyTrip and find the right coverage for your trip. InsureMyTrip offers a choice of well-established travel insurance companies. You can research coverages, compare prices, and choose the best plan for your budget and itinerary.

Get a trip insurance quote online or call for expert advice

Learn more about travel insurance policies.

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Please note: The above is meant as general information to help you understand the different aspects of insurance. Read our editorial standards for Answers content. This information is not an insurance policy, does not refer to any specific insurance policy, and does not modify any provisions, limitations, or exclusions expressly stated in any insurance policy. Descriptions of all coverages and other features are necessarily brief; in order to fully understand the coverages and other features of a specific insurance policy, we encourage you to read the applicable policy and/or speak to an insurance representative. Coverages and other features vary between insurers, vary by state, and are not available in all states. Whether an accident or other loss is covered is subject to the terms and conditions of the actual insurance policy or policies involved in the claim. References to average or typical premiums, amounts of losses, deductibles, costs of coverages/repair, etc., are illustrative and may not apply to your situation. We are not responsible for the content of any third-party sites linked from this page.

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*Cancel for any reason is an optional, time-sensitive benefit. Typically, you’ll be required to cancel your trip at least 48-72 hours prior to your scheduled departure, depending on your policy. And you'll need to purchase the coverage typically within 10–21 days of making your initial trip payment, depending on your policy. This benefit may also have other eligibility requirements, so read the plan details carefully before purchasing.